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What's Inside
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Pre-NASA Memoirs
This is Part 1 of a fascinating documentary about real science which relates to space research in the days before NASA was founded as experienced by Dr. Karl Aufderheide.
page 4
Staines & Son Orreries
Tim and Derek Staines discuss the process they use to construct custom, precision orreries that have shipped all over the world. They discuss some of the obstacles they had to overcome for their complicated orreries to function with precision.
page 6
Focuser Modification
Modifications enabled the Orion Low Profile-speed Focuser to be used for viewing and photography without drooping because of the added weight and extension required for a Barlow eyepiece.
page 8
Spotlight
The spotlight is on David Barry, Brazos Valley Astyronomy Club secretary. Read his story and see how he was inspired to become interested in astronomy because of his son, Mitchell.
page 10
Mercury Facts
Here are some interesting facts about Mercury, the smallest planet in the solar system.
page 12
Otto Struve Telescope
See a list of objects observed at the Otto Struve telescope during a special viewing night.
page 14
Upcoming Events
Upcoming BVAC events, Astronomy Day and monthly meetings dates, are listed for the remainder of 2019.
page 16
Contact
Contact the Brazos Valley Astronomy Club through the website, Yahoo discussion group, Facebook, or officers.
page 3
Observing Cygnus
Cygnus is the constellation of the Swan. Due to the shape of its brightest stars, it is also called the Northern Cross.Tom Campbell takes us on a tour of the stars in Cygnus.
page 5
Secondary Mirror Mount
Tim Cowden constructed a secondary mirror mount that allows 2 degrees of freedom. The design was built around a fat hinge that allowed tilt and rotation by hand with tightening by thumbscrews. A pattern, images, and directions for each step are provided.
page 7
Community Outreach
Brazos Valley Astronomy Club members set up their telescopes and participated in community outreach activities at McNair Cub Scout Camp and Ringer Library to promote the hobby of amateur astronomy.
page 9
Mercury Transit
Mercury can be observed drifting across the sun's face every 7 years, and come November, it will make that special appearance. Precautions for viewing the transit are listed.
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Equipment for Loan
The Brazos Valley Astronomy Club has observing equipment that can be loaned to BVAC members.
page 13
Astronomy Cartoons
Tickle your funny bone with astronomy cartoons by Adam Maund, creator of StarToons.
page 15
Monthly Meetings
Attend the monthly meetings for the Brazos Valley Astronomy Club and receive membership benefits with nominal dues.
About the Cover Image
Timothy Staines is milling a blank brass index round to make a gear for a Genesis Orrery. Read about Staines & Son, makers of precision orreries, on page 4.